Buzz
A fascinating collection of mummies is currently showcased at OMSI in Portland, Oregon. The exhibition, titled Mummies of the World, claims to be the most extensive display of mummies and related artifacts ever curated. The exhibit hall, accompanied by calming music, features an impressive array of mummies and relics from around the world. Notably, many of the mummies are not of Egyptian origin, with some of the most remarkable specimens hailing from South America. I had the opportunity to preview the exhibit before its official opening and am excited to share these photos.
1. Feline Mummies
This section features two mummified cats from Egypt. The left display, labeled 'Wooden Sarcophagus with Cat Mummy,' explains that some mummified cats were placed in specially crafted cat-shaped sarcophagi, a rare practice. The right display, titled 'Mummy of a Cat,' reveals that this particular cat was likely a kitten bred specifically for mummification. The intricate facial painting was applied over the wrappings.
2. Nes-pa-qa-shuti
One of the exhibit's most visually striking features is the sarcophagus of Nes-pa-qa-shuti from Egypt. The sarcophagus is designed in three distinct layers: the intricately decorated top shell, the middle section housing the mummy, and the base (not shown in the image). The display notes that Nes-pa-qa-shuti lived around 650 B.C. and served as a singer at the Temple of Min, a deity associated with fertility.
3. Canopic Jar
A section of the exhibit delves into the ancient Egyptian embalming process. Once the organs were removed from the deceased, they were preserved in four canopic jars. This jar, dedicated to the stomach and upper intestines, was protected by Duamutef, a god depicted with a jackal's head. The display also mentions that in later periods, organs were embalmed and returned to the body rather than stored in jars.
4. Necrotome
Another essential tool in the embalmer's arsenal was the necrotome, a specialized knife used for making incisions in the body. This particular necrotome is estimated to originate from the New Kingdom era, approximately 1540 to 1075 B.C. While the photo doesn't clearly show its scale, the necrotome is roughly the size of a standard dinner knife.
5. Myrrh
Myrrh has been a term I've encountered throughout my life, but I had never seen it in person until now. Displayed here is a modern sample of myrrh, a resin derived from trees, which was historically used to coat the bodies of some mummies.
6. Howler Monkey
One of the first exhibits to greet visitors is this striking howler monkey from Gran Chaco, Argentina. The monkey is adorned with an intricate feather skirt (not visible in the photo) and has additional feathers wrapped around its head and neck. According to the exhibit, this monkey was likely preserved naturally due to the warm, arid climate of its environment, rather than through artificial embalming methods.
7. Head of an Ancient Egyptian Mummy
While the exhibit features several complete mummies, it also showcases a few isolated heads. According to the notes, during the 18th and 19th centuries, Egyptian mummies were often dismembered and sold piece by piece to tourists. This particular head belonged to a man who lived during the Roman occupation of Egypt, around 15 B.C. Post-mummification, the bandages were removed to reveal the remarkably preserved skin.
8. Ushabtis
The term 'Ushabti' translates to 'answerer,' and these small figurines, standing just a few inches tall, were commonly placed in mummy tombs. These artifacts date back to the period between 1550 and 1070 B.C.
9. Children's Toy Horse
The exhibit also features mummies of children (not shown here), accompanied by toys buried alongside them. One such toy, displayed here, dates back to A.D. 500-700.
10. The Tattooed Woman
This mummy, a tattooed woman from Chile, passed away before 1400 A.D. She bears three tattoos—ovals with dots—whose meaning remains a mystery. Her hair is remarkably intact and well-preserved.
11. Page from the Book of the Dead
What we refer to as the Book of the Dead was known to ancient Egyptians as 'Spells of Going Forth by Day.' For those who could afford it, this papyrus scroll, filled with spells, hymns, and instructions for reaching the afterlife, was placed inside the coffin with the mummy. This fragment is part of such a page, and an interactive display nearby allows visitors to explore a reconstructed version of the book.
Where to See More
This post offers only a glimpse into the Mummies of the World exhibit, which features mummies of humans, animals, and extensive contextual information. The curators have thoughtfully presented the mummies with respect, acknowledging that they are, fundamentally, the remains of real individuals. When I inquired about this aspect, I was directed to a comprehensive ethics report from the California Science Center, which justified the exhibit's appropriateness. While the report reassured me, encountering an unwrapped mummy's head can still be an intense experience for visitors.
Mummies of the World will be on display at OMSI through September 8. After this, the exhibit will move to one final location, though officials have not disclosed where. If you're fascinated by mummies and are near Portland, this could be your final opportunity to explore this extraordinary collection.
All photographs © 2013 Chris Higgins.
